Just like every elective surgery, Lasik costs have been rising. Over the past few years, a few factors have contributed to this rise: more demand for Lasik, more expensive machinery and technology, and the various costs of pre and post-op screening and testing. The average cost of Lasik is now averaging about $3,000 to $4,000 per eye, less or more depending upon the quality of the eye doctor chosen.

Let's say you've decided this amount of money is something you'd consider paying in return for clear vision, without the aid of glasses or lenses. How do you know if you can really afford Lasik surgery? As yourself the following questions:

Will I Have Future Savings By Not Having To Buy Glasses Or Lenses?

First, be aware that you may not be perfectly exchanging the cost of glasses and/or lenses for the cost of the vision given to you by surgery. Sometimes, depending on the kind of correction or problem you have, glasses or lenses of some type will be needed right after the surgery or in the future. Not always, but sometimes.

Once you discuss exactly what your correction problem is, and the potential results with your doctor, you can estimate what money you will earn against the procedure by not having to purchase as many lenses or glasses in the future.

What Will The Final Cost Be?

When shopping around for a potential eye surgeon, ask exactly what's covered by his or her quoted Lasik price. Make sure you get the very, very bottom line! This includes all screening and testing, medications, follow-up visits, and any "re-treatment" visits you might need during the rest of your life.

Keep in mind, you're also paying for costs besides his or her fees: the purchase or lease of the laser, microkeratome equipment and their maintenance, insurance, facility costs including staff and royalty fees to the manufacturer of the equipment.

I've Decided It's Worth It - Now How Do I Pay For It?

Remember, even though it's a lifestyle or medical choice, it's also a financial decision. Financing options might be a way to go, if the many thousands of dollars up front is not something you can afford right now.

If your insurance company doesn't pick up the tab, and frequently they don't because it's considered an elective surgery, you can find a health care financing company that suits your needs. Payments can range from about $130 to $450 a month, depending on the type of finance plan you choose and the cost of your procedure.

A good place to start when researching financing companies is to check with your surgeon's office. Ask for a list of finance companies they've worked with successfully in the past, and which they recommend (assuming they accept payment through finance companies). Should you end up using financing, make sure you are comfortable with the varying interest rates charged by these companies - they can add quite a bit to your final tab. Also, sometimes Lasik surgeons provide their own financing, and generally do not charge interest.

Is There Another Alternative to Financing?